Skip to main content
HomeThe WWS Daily

- News, tips, inspiration you can trust to thrive in today’s digital age.

Search form

Main menu

  • Home
  • News & Features
  • Business & Economy
  • Tech & Trends
  • Health & Style
  • Arts & Culture
  • Contact Us

How to Rollback to a Previous Version of Windows OS

Penny Ortiz February 11, 2022

Sometimes you want to revert to a previous version of Windows 10 that works better for you. You can do that, but it’s best to be swift about it.

How to Rollback to a Previous Version of Windows OS

After upgrading Windows 10 to the latest build, you may find that a particular part is broken or not working as it should, which means it may be better to revert to a past build. 

Fortunately, Windows 10 can revert to an earlier build or past version of the operating system (OS) when the installed build/version is broken or not working as it should. 

When Windows 10 is updated to a new build, the rollback option disappears and is replaced by the opportunity to return to a previous build.

Let’s say you upgraded to Windows 11 but are now wondering how to return to Windows 10 when Windows 11 preview doesn't work for you. Well we’ll talk about that as well.

It’s worth noting, however, that the user will not be able to return from Windows 10 Build 1511 to Windows 8.1 and Windows 7, as the rollback only works for the previous installation/build.

rollback_to_a_previous_version_of_windows.jpg

 

Rollback to An Earlier Build/Previous Version of Windows 10

 

To go back to an earlier build of Windows 10, Go to Start -> Settings -> Update -> Security. Then select Restore.

The user should see a Go back to an earlier build option, and a Get started button. Click on the button and immediately a return to a previous version of Windows 10 will begin. Once the process is completed, the PC will reboot.

Note: If 30 days have passed after installing another build or if the user has deleted the Windows.old folder, you will not be able to return to earlier build of Windows 10. In this case, the user will see a message like "We're sorry, but you can't go back," "The files we need to take you to a previous version of Windows were removed from this PC," and so on.

 

Rollback to Previous Build/Version in Advanced Startup Options

 

windows_10_advanced_startup_options.png

If you can't boot into Windows, you can still go back to your previous build thanks to Windows 10 Advanced Startup Options. 

Boot to Advanced Startup Options menu by clicking Start -> Power, press and hold Shift key on the keyboard, and click Restart button. This will restart the PC and take you into the Advanced Startup Options menu in Windows 10.

Alternatively, to access Advanced Startup Options menu, click Start -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Recovery, and click Restart now button under Advanced startup.

In the Advanced Startup Options menu, go to Troubleshooting -> Advanced Options -> View advanced recovery options -> Return to the previous build or previous version.

 

Rollback to a Previous Version of Windows 11

 

If Windows 11 Feature Upgrade and the build cannot work stably on your PC, then try to downgrade and revert to a previous version of the OS. To do so, there are steps you can follow. 

Keep in mind that when you upgrade your PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11 or upgrade Windows 11 to a new version, the old OS version can be found in the Windows.old folder. 

Moreover, the PC has a feature to automatically delete the Windows.old folder 10 days after installation, meaning the built-in ability to return to Windows 10 is only available for ten days.

To switch from Windows 11 to an earlier/previous version:

  1. Press Win+I - "Windows Settings" will appear.
  2. Go to System - now to Restore.
  3. Press Previous version of Windows - select Go back.
  4. Check any of the checkboxes of the available reason options.
  5. Click Next.
  6. Now click No thank you if you are prompted to check for updates.
  7. Click Next twice.
  8. Click on Return to the previous build.

windows-10-rollback-reasons-options.png

When the new operating system becomes available to everyone, upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will happen automatically if compatibility and minimum requirements are met. 

If you don't want to wait, you can try manually downloading Windows 11 and seeing its new features (widgets, snap layouts, virtual desktops, new Microsoft Store, and more):

  1. First, go to Settings -> Update and Security -> Windows Update. Click Check for updates.
  2. If updates are available, the Windows 11 Feature update will appear and you can select Download and Install.
  3. To avoid many hassles, download the Windows 11 installation assistant. Once the download is complete, select Run and see if your hardware is compatible. Next, click Accept and Install, where you agree to the licensing terms. Once the program finishes installing, restart your PC. 

The computer will restart a couple of times to complete the installation.

 

Downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 after Ten Days

 

Once a user has passed the 10-day mark after installation, the "Go Back" button can no longer be found in the Windows Settings panel. 

In that case, you'll have to install Windows 10 again from scratch:

  • Download Windows ISO from the official Microsoft website.
  • Create a bootable USB disk with the Windows 10 ISO file by reconnecting the Rufus tool or any other device with similar functionality.
  • Conduct a clean installation of Windows 10 from the bootable USB.

This process of reverting to a previous version of Windows automatically deletes all files and folders on your computer, so don't forget to make a complete backup of your personal files.


Penny Ortiz is content writer and Search Engine Optimization Executive of an SEO agency.


 

 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER  newsletter icon.png

Get our best content, news, tips, and inspiration in your inbox - free.

No spam. Just great stories. Promise!
 

 

Join Over 20,000 Subscribers!

Get our best content, tips, and inspiration free in your inbox. Subscribe ››

Connect with us:  twitter.gif linkedin-gray.jpg email.gif RSS feed

 

 

 

 

 

Most read this week


Should You Hire an IT Outsourcing Company for Your Business?
Should You Hire an IT Outsourcing Company for Your Business?
Miles Oliver

person-using-facebook-browsing-newsfeed
Facebook Tests Moving “Non-promoted” Posts to Secondary “Explore” Feed
Alexis Davis

mistakes_to_avoid_when_creating_a_business_website
5 Common Mistakes When Building a Business Website to Avoid
Tom Hardy

young-lady-bfreelance-web-writer-working
10 Tips to Transition Smoothly into Web Writing
Staff Writer

 

Got a story or tip for us?

 

Tips_0_0_0.png

Here's how to submit it →

 

 

 

 
 

EXPLORE MORE ...

black-nav-bar1.png

News & Features  ›


supermarket-aile-man-shopping-shift-away-from-cash:

Behavioral Shift Away from Cash: Could Digital Revive the High Street?

man-hybrid-working-activeops-releases-workiq-8.0

ActiveOps Releases WorkiQ 8.0 to Define, Plan & Optimize Hybrid Working

Best Fuel-Efficient Family Cars for Long Road Trips

Best Fuel-Efficient Family Cars for Long Road Trips


Understand and Plan Your Digital Afterlife

The Most Annoying Video Call Habits at Work - Are You Guilty?

The Digital Playground: Creating Safe and Engaging Online Spaces for Kids

hor-line-blue

Tech & Trends  ›


Augmented Reality: The New Tool Driving Industries Forward

IT-consultant-working-with-team-role-digital-transformation

Digital Transformers: How IT Consultants Are Driving Innovation

How to Rollback to a Previous Version of Windows OS

How to Rollback to a Previous Version of Windows OS


Should You Have a Dedicated Outsourced Development Team?

Tech Troubles? 4 Business Strategies To Avoid Tech Disasters

Understanding the Limitations of Antivirus Software
 

hor_line_yellow

Arts & Culture  ›


woman-sitter-reading-on-laptop-boring-word-substitutions

16 Word Substitutions to Improve Boring Writing

students-with-backpack-navigating-college

How to Take Care of Your Mental Health Whilst Navigating University

author-zadie-smith

Zadie Smith's White Teeth: 10 Golden Rules for Writers


What Your Handwriting Says About You

12 Reasons Reading Widely Is So Important for Writers

How Reading More Inspires Better Writing

hor-line-brown

Business & Economy  ›


How to Start a Real Estate Business with No Money Out of Your Pocket

How to Start a Real Estate Business with No Money Out of Your Pocket

The Story Behind Some of the World's Most Famous Logos

The Story Behind Some of the World's Most Famous Logos

Image for 7 Excellent Web Development Tips for Your Website’s Success

7 Excellent Web Development Tips for Your Website’s Success


10 Lame Excuses You Probably Use to Procrastinate

10 Ways Resourceful People Build Resilience & Turn Failure to Success

How to Buy a House or Property With Bad Credit

hor-line-green

Health & Style  ›


Comfortable Yet Stylish Tops to Wear on Your Next Video Call

Comfortable Yet Stylish Tops to Wear on Your Next Video Call

Different Types of Invisalign for Different Conditions

The Different Types of Invisalign for Different Conditions

5 Best Outdoor Activities for the Weekend to Get in Shape

5 Best Outdoor Activities for the Weekend to Get in Shape

hori-3.jpg

Why It's Okay to Daydream As a Creative Person

hori-3.jpg

Can Mindfulness Help to Stop Substance Abuse and Addiction?

hori-3.jpg

Asbestos Hazard: Your Responsibilities As a Property Owner
 

Home | About Us | Contributors | Submissions | Advertise | Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Contact Us

Follow Us:

twitter_e.jpg linkedin-pg.jpg email-updates_icon.jpg

Committed to quality content and journalistic ethics.

RSS rss

Search WWS search-icon-trans_0_1.png

© 2025 The WWS Daily.